Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091 INFERENCE OF JYOTISHYA IN AYURVEDA - A REVIEW Harish Deshpande1, Shivakumar2 1PG scholar Department of Swasthavritta, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India 2Associate Professor and HOD Department of Swasthavritta, S.D.M. College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India ABSTRACT Jyotishya Shastra, the words derived from Sanskrit. "Jyotish" means planets or celestial bodies or graha and "Shastra" means scientific study. The word “Graha” has various meanings. Graha as planets, microorganisms and supernatural powers have a definitive role in causing var- ious somatic and psychosomatic afflictions. In Jyothishya shastra Graha refers to planets they are the Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. In Ayurveda classics also one can find many evidences regarding jyotishastra. Aim: Relation between Ayur- veda and Jyotishya shastra. Objectives: An attempt to critically analyze the varied understand- ings of Graha and importance of jyotishya and its probable role in causation of various diseases and executing the treatment. Material and method: Various contemporary science and Ayurved- ic classical text comprehensively compiled and critically analyzed. Discussion: Ayurveda be- lieves in the treatment of human ailments by the prescription of herbs. The planets combinations will bring various diseases. Hence, Jyotish could set a physician on the right track on how to go ahead with the treatment of the disease. Conclusion: Graha should be considered as a probable cause of diseases. As one of the diagnostic aspects which may predict diseases trigger diseases and even prevent the onset of diseases. Key words: Bhuta, Graha, Grahabhada, Kala, Vyadhi INTRODUCTION jayakshma and so on.2 One can come across Adhidaivika and Prabhavaja vyadhis many references in Samhita like in charaka have been considered as one of the impor- Samhita mentioning about shubha and tant causes for diseases according to Ayur- ashubhanakshatra3, particular nakshatra for veda1. These include diseases caused by sea- the collection of drug and administration of sonal abnormalities, supernormal origins drug4 ext. physician will get utmost result in (curse from god, guru, due to ghost) and by the treatment if he considers all the causa- supernatural powers. (Paranormal, psychic, tive factors of a disease. Jyotishya shastra is magical, miraculous, superhuman). Many having its own importance in an individual evidences of diseases caused due to the af- person. fliction of supernormal origins have been Jyotishya and Ayurveda cited in the classical texts like Jwara, Ra Harish Deshpande& Shivakumar : Inference Of Jyotishya In Ayurveda - A Review Graha referred to planets, Bhoota Jala and Prithvi. Different planets namely and Balagarha. The word “Graha” has vari- Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, ous meanings. Graha in Jyothishya shastra Shukra, Shani, Rahuand Ketuare assigned refers to planets which are the Surya, Chan- different tatwas5 dra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Sun (Surya) Rahu and Ketu. It is regarded as that which The Sun is considered as a royal Pla- can be viewed with those having “shastra net and giver of life. It is said to affect the chakshu” or “divyachakshu”. In this aspect, pitta dosha. The ill placement of Sun in Ho- Graha can be regarded as “microbes” or roscope can cause circulatory deficiencies, “microorganisms” which are microscopic in Anemia, Indigestion, Sun-stroke, Ulcers, nature and are responsible for causation of and Poor Vision. It is the chief source of Vi- various infectious diseases. In the context of tamin D which is a vital vitamin in promot- kaumarabruthya and bhootavidhya, Graha ing bone health. Vitamin D deficiency caus- can be regarded as balagrahas and bhootas es rickets among children, precipitates and which afflict human beings and cause vari- accelerates osteoporosis among adults and ous psycho-somatic diseases. Badha accord- causes osteomalacia. It has been associated ing to Amarakosha means squeezing (pee- with increased risks of deadly cancers, car- da), that which gives trouble (Badha) makes diovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, us upset (Vyatha) and Puts one in misery rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes (Dukha). Grahas afflict human in the levels mellitus. Excessive exposure to sun causes of Manas, Vrutti, Santana, Dhana, Ayu, Suk- heat stroke, heat exhaustion, tanning. It is ha, Shanti and Aarogya. also associated with Different types of skin Causation of disease in perspective to cancer, sunburn, accelerated skin ageing, planets cataract and other eye diseases. There is also Navagrahas refer to the nine Plane- evidence that UV radiation reduces the ef- tary Gods. It is believed that these celestial fectiveness of the immune system. bodies in the cosmos influence every aspect Moon (Chandra) of human lives and is responsible for all the The Moon is the Planet representing good or bad times one faces in life. These the mind, feminine nature, beauty and hap- nine planets of great significance are the piness. It affects the vata and kapha doshas. Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, The mental stability and wellbeing of an in- Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. According to Hindu dividual to a larger extent depends on the Astrology an ill placement of any of these placement of moon in horoscope. An ill planets in ones horoscope can cause diseases placement of the Moon can cause conditions or other negative effects in that person’s life. like Stress, Edema, Depression, Asthma, The Navagrahas needs to be propitiated in TB, cold and Cough6. order to have a good life. The human body – The frequencies emanating from the Moon Microcosmos (Pindanda) possesses all the affect the frequencies of the mental body, tatwas present in the Macrocosmos (Brah- i.e. mind of human beings. By ‘mind’ we manda). Brahmanda consisting of entire mean our feelings, emotions and desires. cosmos is encompassed with Panchama- The mind consists of the conscious mind habhutas namely the Akasha, Vayu, Agni, and the sub-conscious mind. Within the sub- 660 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 5; September- October - 2014 Harish Deshpande& Shivakumar : Inference Of Jyotishya In Ayurveda - A Review conscious mind we have a number of im- Venus (Shukra) pressions that are embedded that decide our Venus symbolizes love and passion. basic nature and personality. We are howev- It affects the Reproductive system, Kidneys er not aware of the thoughts or impressions and on the vata dosha. An ill placement of in our sub-conscious mind. These impres- Venus can cause eye diseases, indigestion, sions get collected over a number of life- skin rashes, pimples, impotency, venereal times. The moon frequencies are slightly diseases, Infertility and Menstrual irregulari- more subtle (intangible) than the subtle- ties. frequencies of our thoughts but are less sub- Saturn (Shani) tle than the frequencies of the impressions in Saturn is often referred to as a ‘dark our mind. The moon frequencies have the planet’ and symbolizes longevity, misery, capacity to make the thought frequencies grief and old age. It affects the vata dosha from the impressions in our sub-conscious and on the Joints, Nervous system and mind to surface to the conscious mind. Once Bones. An ill placement of Saturn can cause in the conscious mind we become aware of asthma, gout, arthritis and rheumatism. them. Thus one will be influenced as per the Rahu predominant impressions in one’s mind. Rahu is a malefic Planet and has its Mars (Mangala) effect on the vata dosha. Rahu is related Mars is often referred to as a ‘hot with the unconscious desires, dissatisfac- planet’ and protector of Dharma. It affects tions, fears, ambitions and unresolved issues the pitta dosha. Mars controls the muscular from previous lives that need to be expe- system of the body and also rules over Cir- rienced in this life. It affects the Endocrine culatory system, Liver and Gall Bladder. An system , Nervous system, Skin and causes ill placement of Mars can cause Infectious Convulsions, Paralysis and Leprosy. Diseases, Fever, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Cancer, Ketu Leukemia, Hypertension and Anemia. Ketu is considered a very important Mercury (Budha) planet for spiritual evolution, because it Mercury is representation of one’s represents the capacity for rejection, de- intelligence and communication. This Planet tachment from the ephemeral, and a search governs the nervous system. It has its effect for the truth and the essence of life. It affects on the tridoshas. An ill placement of Mer- the vata dosha and Circulatory and the cen- cury can cause Paralysis, Giddiness, Epilep- tral nervous system. It causes Infectious dis- sy, Bronchitis and Allergies. eases, Small Pox, hypertension and Stress. Planets emanate frequencies: Jupiter (Guru) All objects including stars, planets Jupiter symbolizes knowledge, love and satellite bodies along with their gross and spirituality. It has its effect on the kapha (tangible) attributes emanate subtle (intangi- dosha. This planet rules the Liver, Heart, ble) frequencies. These physical attributes Hormones, and Pancreas. An ill placement and subtle-frequencies affect us in varying of Jupiter can cause Diabetes, Jaundice, Ob- degrees at a physical and subtle-level. The esity, Edema, Tumors, Hormonal imbalance upcoming branch of science, Medical astrol- and Cardiac disorders. ogy studies the effect of heavenly Bodies 661 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 5; September- October - 2014 Harish Deshpande& Shivakumar : Inference Of Jyotishya In Ayurveda - A Review (Sun, Moon and other Planets) on human stellar defects at the time of birth of the per- Body. Researchers say that Changes in the son would relieve the person of problems. Earth's shape, when coupled with the gravi- The planetary combination brings the vari- tational effects from other planets, can pro- ous diseases. Hence, Jyotish could set a phy- duce large changes in the Earth's climate. sician on the right track on how to go ahead The change of climate as a result could lead with the treatment of the disease.